The High Authority for Communication (HAC) declared a three-month suspension during the junta-era in Mali, citing a lack of “balance” in reporting civilian drone strike fatalities without considering the Malian army’s account of events.
According to a statement obtained by AFP on Wednesday, September 11, the French-language channel TV5 Monde has been suspended by Mali’s ruling junta for a period of three months due to what it deemed to be a lack of “balance” in a news item.
The Malian army’s account of events was not taken into consideration when TV5 Monde reported on the death of at least fifteen civilians in drone strikes in the northern town of Tinzaouaten, according to the High Authority for Communication (HAC). On August 25, the channel’s Africa program—which is widely watched in Mali—aired the offending report.
The company issued a statement expressing its regret, stating, “TV5 Monde was unable to provide any explanations regarding the facts of which it is accused and was not contacted by the HAC.”
